Arbitration Lawyers in Dubai for Businesses and Investors From the USA, UK and Europe

An arbitration lawyer in Dubai advises on and represents you in disputes resolved by arbitration rather than litigation. That covers drafting or reviewing the arbitration clause, filing or answering the claim, choosing arbitrators, preparing evidence and submissions, representing you at hearings and enforcing the award with the relevant authorities in the UAE.

Often, yes, though timelines vary with the complexity of the case and the institution involved. Unless the parties agree otherwise, UAE law requires the final award within six months of the first hearing, extendable by up to six more months, and an award cannot be appealed on its merits, which avoids the appeal stages of litigation.

Yes. Under Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 on Arbitration, an award is binding on all parties and carries the same authority as a final judgment. To enforce it, the winning party applies to the relevant authorities for confirmation, which the law requires to be decided within 60 days.

An award cannot be appealed on its merits. It can only be challenged through an annulment action, filed within 30 days of being notified of the award, on narrow grounds such as an invalid arbitration agreement, a party being unable to present its case, or the tribunal deciding matters outside the agreement. We advise whether any ground genuinely applies to your case.

Generally, yes. Arbitration needs a written agreement between the parties, usually a clause in the original contract, and an exchange of emails can count. The parties can also agree to arbitrate after a dispute arises. The agreement is void if the person signing for a company was not authorised to agree to arbitration.

The DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre was abolished by Dubai Decree No. 34 of 2021, and its cases were moved to DIAC. UAE decisions have treated DIAC as its successor for new claims, but at least one US decision has refused to enforce a DIAC award made under an old DIFC-LCIA clause, so these clauses are worth reviewing before a dispute arises.

Generally, yes. The UAE is a party to the New York Convention, as are the USA, the UK and all EU member states, so an award made in Dubai can be enforced there under the local procedure in each country. The main risk is an award made under an old DIFC-LCIA clause, where enforcement abroad has been refused.

Yes. The UAE joined the New York Convention in 2006, so awards made in other member countries, including the USA and the UK, can be enforced in the UAE under the Convention and the Civil Procedure Law. Enforcement is decided by the relevant authorities, and the grounds for refusing it are limited.

It can be. Since the 2023 amendment to the UAE Arbitration Law, the parties can agree that the whole arbitration process stays confidential. Building this into the arbitration clause from the start is the simplest way to protect commercial information.

Yes, if the parties agree. Under UAE law, arbitration seated in the UAE is conducted in Arabic unless the parties agree otherwise, so the arbitration clause should state English as the language. This avoids translation delays for companies and investors from the USA, the UK and Europe.

Usually not. UAE law allows the seat to be agreed virtually, lets witnesses and experts give evidence remotely, and since 2023 allows technology to be used at every stage. We handle arbitrations for clients in the USA, the UK and Europe without them travelling to Dubai.

It depends on the institution, the arbitrators, the amount in dispute and how complex the case is. We give you a clear estimate before you commit to the process, so you can weigh arbitration against litigation for your specific dispute.

No responsible lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a disputed matter. Results depend on the facts, the evidence, the applicable law, the other party and the decision of the tribunal. What you can expect from us is an honest assessment at the start and clear updates in English throughout.